Use of rare earth compounds for the prevention of kidney stone disease

Abstract

Conditions such as kidney stones, which are characterized by undesired absorption of oxalate from the intestinal tract are conveniently treated using nontoxic salts of rare earth metal ions.

1 . A method to treat a condition characterized by unwanted absorption of oxalate from the gastrointestinal tract of a subject which method comprises administering to the gastrointestinal tract of said subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a rare earth metal, which salt is optionally hydrated, in an amount effective to inhibit the absorption of oxalate from the gastrointestinal tract, wherein the rare earth metal is Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y or Sc.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the condition is kidney stone disease.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said subject is at risk for said kidney stone disease.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said rare earth metal is yttrium or cerium.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the salt comprises a counterion which is acetate, chloride or carbonate.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the rare earth metal is yttrium or cerium.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said salt is yttrium carbonate or cerium carbonate.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said salt is of the formula 
         [RE] a [X] b .cH 2 O  (1) where RE is a trivalent ion of the lanthanide series selected from Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y and Sc, where X is a negatively charged counterion selected from CO 3 , Cl, and acetate,    wherein a and b are chosen so as to obtain a neutral salt,    and wherein c is 0-10.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said administering is by oral administration.